Do something your future self with thank you for

By Jim Mayhew

The choices you make today will impact your future – and the future of those around you. It’s true. Each day you’re doing things that your future self with either thank you for, or be frustrated by. Those choices may seem small or insignificant; choices like putting off reading that great book that will make you better at your job or eating that extra helping of dessert because it’s soooo good. Those choices might lead your future self to be frustrated with your present self.

When you make time to think about what the future holds you’re setting yourself up for success. But it needs to be affirmed with positive forward progress. Take the example of the book that you’ve been handed to read. You’ve heard the popular saying, “Readers are leaders, and learners are earners,” right? What are you waiting for? Dive in! Get learning today, as in right now! There’s a reason that book found its way into your possession – probably because someone saw potential in you for greatness. The question you need to ask yourself is, do you see that potential and are you willing to put in a little extra effort? I sure hope so!

The late, great Zig Ziglar said, “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.” It’s up to you. You’re accountable to your future success – whatever that looks like. Hope isn’t enough. “Luck” could play a part. And intent is only as good as the action you take. None of those are success strategies. But if you believe you are meant for greatness (and you are!) and you take action to get you there, your future self is going to be even better than you can imagine.

Benjamin Carson explains it like this: “You have the ability to choose which way you want to go. You have to believe great things are going to happen in your life. Do everything you can – prepare, pray and achieve – to make it happen.”

Believe. Prepare. Plan. Have faith. Do. Sounds pretty easy, right? So use today to set your future self up for greatness. You’ll be glad you did!